Union Church donates to By the Book program

Posted: Wednesday, November 25, 2015

“By the Book” Weekday Religious Education program received a check from Union Church for $4,857.28 on Wednesday, November 25. The money received was earned from an annual fish fry held at Union Church to help fund the program. The church served almost 1,100 individuals during the evening.

Dave Stamper stated “We would like to thank the entire community for the overwhelming support of the “By the Book” Weekday Religious Education program. Without the help of the community and the many volunteers this would not be attainable.”

“By The Book” classes meet once each week, for 32 weeks, in trailers located near each of the seven Huntington County elementary schools. The classes are open to all third and fourth grade students with parental consent. Donations such as the funds received from the Union Church and other community support keep the program running.

Dave and Sue Stamper and Karen Landrum organized the fish fry and recruited volunteers ranging in age from six to 90 years of age. Volunteers were responsible for set up, tear down, breading fish, serving, cleaning tables, posting advertisements, making desserts, collecting money and cooking. “By the Book” thanks Dan’s Fish Fry, all those who volunteered their time and also the community for coming to the fish fry and supporting “By the Book.”

The teachers of “By the Book” this year include Debbie Hersey; Kathie Mower, director and Stephanie Thompson. Third graders have been learning about creation and prayer, Thanksgiving and Christmas. They will receive hardcover Bibles with the proceeds of the donations. “By the Book” thanks Judy Lee for ordering and storing the Bibles.

The fourth grade has looked at the parables of the prodigal son and the Good Samaritan and have spent time looking at God’s love and mercy. Children also work on scripture memorization, an attitude of gratitude and Christmas lessons. The last class for 2015 will be Friday, December 11 and classes will resume on Monday, January 4.

Any questions regarding the program can be directed to Jack Oberholtzer at (260) 344-1269 or the Associated Churches of Huntington County, P.O. Box 344, Huntington, Indiana 46750. Continued support of the program is appreciated and donations can also be sent to the Associated Churches at the address listed above.

Shown in the photo from left is Rick Hines, senior pastor, Union Church, as he presents a “high five” and a check for $4,857.28 to Judy Lee, treasurer, By the Book board of directors. At right is Mark Hoffer, associate pastor, Union Church.